Hatrack River Writers Workshop: A sci-fi writer's lament

This is topic A sci-fi writer's lament in forum Open Discussions About Writing at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by KayTi (Member # 5137) on :

I write science fiction for the most part, and I'm feeling depressed. So much of what I like in other books, and what I find inspiring, is from nature. Trees and flowers, the smell of rain just before it actually rains, the wormy smell after heavy spring rain, the way the sun catches the light across a spiderweb, the way the wind can defrock a tree in a day.

But in my space-settings (particularly for my Nano WIP) there isn't anything like that. Argh. I'm just feeling constrained by my own imaginary world. Anyone ever have this happen?

Posted by Patrick James (Member # 7847) on :

No, KayTi.

I write in worlds that I find interesting, its part of what makes me want to continue writing in that world and finish the story.

Have you tried writing sci-fi in nature setting? Easier said than done true. Try reading Larry Niven's Destiny's Road, it may give you an idea of how it can be done. Its also a good book.

I suppose that doesn't help you with the setting in your Nano WIP. Sorry.

Posted by philocinemas (Member # 8108) on :

What is a "wormy smell"?

Other than having that question...

I believe writing about something can drawl out the beauty and majesty of just about anything. Imagine being shrunk down to the size of an ant and visiting a garbage dump. From that perspective the dump would take on a whole new visual sensation. Imagine the moon; it is desolate. However, it is a "magnificent desolation". In some ways, writing about the most bleak topic in this way intensifies the emotion the topic is designed to reinforce. I suggest you consider Pan's Labyrinth as a cinematic example of this.

Posted by Unwritten (Member # 7960) on :

You like the wormy smell?? It always makes me feel sick. On the other hand, when I walk outside on a fall day, I love the smell of burnt leaves and apples, maybe with a hint of pine.

Could you add your own sadness to your nano story? Maybe your own characters are feeling boxed in by their world and they are missing the sorts of things you mention. Even if they've never seen those things, they might have read about them, or seen movies. Nostalgia for things you have never had can be a real feeling (a hammock strung between two palm trees on a beach with white sand comes to mind...)
Melanie

Posted by KayTi (Member # 5137) on :

Just to be clear, I hate the wormy smell. I'm wormphobic (which makes being a gardener a bit of a juxtaposition...but I'm a woman of contradictions, LOL) so the smell has strong connotations for me because I always avoid going outside when it smells like that. Or at least avoid looking down. Eww.

Unwritten - stroke of genius. I think I'm actually in the right place in my head because there is a whole thread about my Nano MC feeling constrained and conflicted about her life on a big space ship. She's just moved there from earth. Excellent point.

Posted by annepin (Member # 5952) on :

Maybe one of them has a garden? Maybe plants are a luxury item or something? i know, i'm stretching it... just a thought.

Posted by philocinemas (Member # 8108) on :

I suppose I will have to smell worms the next time I see them on my driveway to get the full effect. I typically only smell the must or the metallic smell of the rain.

Posted by mjm77 (Member # 8290) on :

I could not find the story you're referencing, but...

Wouldn't someone growing up in these environments you are writing have their own nostalgia? Even on Earth, different cultures have wildly different things that are symbolic of nature or "home."

The one-note aroma of recycled air, the persistent feel of cold brushed steel, the harsh smell of freshly unpacked plastics and electronics, the constant flicker of artificial lightning, the smooth flatness of processed water, the omnipresent hum of life-sustaining machinery. It's all almost embryonic, and the longing for these things that would be unfamiliar to Earthlings is good characterization.

Posted by MrsBrown (Member # 5195) on :

I always thought it smelled wormy too. Yuck. My 4yo son teases me by saying "wooorms", expecting my "eew" response. Sorry, that has nothing to do with anything

Posted by Patrick James (Member # 7847) on :

Boys and worms.

Yes. I remeber. I used to chase my best friends mother around with a hand full of them. I've grown a lot over the last few months.

I didn't chase my mother with them, she is an avid gardener and immune to their ickiness.

Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :

You tend to get used to odors---if it's less-than-familiar, it gets remarked upon, but otherwise, it blends into the background until you don't notice it.

My air conditioner has developed a stop / start problem...it quits cooling and I don't notice right away---except I do notice, 'cause it puts out this distinctly metallic smell when it happens. (One of these days I really must get it fixed.)

I wonder what things would smell like on a space station---a big one, not like the current and previous models (that actually exist.)

Recycled air, of course...if they have a problem with cockroaches, maybe some bug spray...and, I gather, nobody's really come up with a satisfactory zero-gee toilet, so that really adds some gumbo to the soup that is their air...

Posted by WouldBe (Member # 5682) on :

I suppose your ship could have a botanical garden where your character finds solace.

Posted by Crystal Stevens (Member # 8006) on :

Goodness, Robert. Unless you're writing non-fiction. There is such a thing as artificial gravity

Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :

Maybe if you spin the ship...